I can’t inform you what number of instances I used to be lucky sufficient to go to Disney World as a child. Mickey & Minnie Mouse have been part of my family, and we by no means missed a brand new Disney film in theatres. Name me a baby, however that by no means actually left me.
I’m nicely into maturity now and as my tastes have modified, my coronary heart nonetheless belongs on Important Road strolling in direction of the Fortress. The nostalgia could be very actual and brings me to such a phenomenal place. And, now that I’m an grownup that may make my very own choices, I’ve determined to take my trainers to the happiest place on Earth, Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend has been round since 1994, all the time held in January. Through the years the race weekend grew exponentially. Quickly, the “weekend” consisted of 4 totally different races on 4 totally different days. The 5K kicks off the weekend on Thursday, the 10K on Friday, the Half Marathon on Saturday, and the Marathon is the grand finale on Sunday morning. Somebody at runDisney had the intense concept to market the 4 races because the “Dopey Problem,” rising the recognition of the race collection.
Right here I’m, a 34-year-old feminine that melts each time she sees an image of Minnie & Mickey Mouse who additionally occurs to be an endurance junkie. Any guesses what I did final weekend?
In July of 2021, I arrange my laptop and refreshed my browser extra instances than I care to confess and forked over all of my hard-earned cash to runDisney for the prospect to run 4 races, on 4 consecutive days, at 5am every day (you learn that proper). Race weekend approached and I had handled my coaching much like marathon coaching, with a number of elements of Extremely coaching combined in. Coaching over the vacations isn’t good. And, “racing” 4 races consecutively meant throwing out any type of time targets. Ending was the last word aim. As a result of who can truly say that they taper a marathon with a half marathon the day earlier than?
In case you keep on Disney property, they make it greater than simple for you. You stroll outdoors your resort room at 3am to seek out a number of busses ready to move runners to the Epcot parking zone, the beginning line of all 4 races. The staging space is stocked with porta potties galore and even features a stage and large display to get athletes excited for the race. Gear bag vans are meticulously positioned the place you may simply seize your issues after you cross the end line. Rubbish cans are in all places. Water stations are scattered in regards to the space. Hand sanitizer galore. Meals vans. Merch tents. A “child middle” (nonetheless not sure what that was for?). And naturally, a runner data tent. In case you didn’t know, particulars are what Disney does greatest. And there wasn’t a single element of this race that was ignored. Every morning regarded very related but very totally different, let me clarify.
Pluto 5K
This was by far after I noticed essentially the most costumes on the beginning line. Sure, costumes. So many individuals run dressed as princesses, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and any Disney Character you may think about. The crowds have been large at 3:45am as I approached the staging space. Physique glitter and tutus have been in all places. The vibe was magical and so inviting. Runners have been inspired to enter their corrals by 4:30am for the 5am begin. I discovered my method to the beginning line and by 5am on the dot, I crossed the beginning line and immediately found I used to be working by way of my childhood dream. The vast majority of the race runs by way of Epot, visiting all the nations within the World Showcase. My psychological image nonetheless doesn’t do it justice. The complete park was lit up with twinkle lights. The fountains have been working on repeat, including to the enjoyment of the race. The end line got here fairly rapidly after 3 miles. However it wouldn’t be lengthy earlier than I used to be again for extra.
End Time: 25:18
Oswald 10k
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have a number of pals be part of me for this race. We awoke (they have been a bit more energizing than I, as this was my 2nd 2:30am alarm in a row) and hopped on a bus to the beginning line. This time I made a decision to sneak somewhat nearer to the beginning. The gun went off and the primary 3 miles have been a bit uneventful, working in direction of Hollywood Studios on the freeway. However let’s not overlook about all of the character photograph alternatives! Disney characters of all types popped up on the facet of the course, full with a enjoyable background so runners may run proper up the mark on the highway, strike a pose, after which carry on working. Typically you have been greeted with a line of runners 10+ deep. Different instances you possibly can sneak proper in, it was full luck of the draw. Quickly we entered Hollywood Studios by way of the backlot close to the Tower of Terror. Park staff have been scattered in all places, cheering you on and performing their half. Every thing was as lit up as may very well be. The power was merely electrical. Th subsequent a part of the course included working by way of the Boardwalk and eventually coming into Epcot. As soon as once more, the magic put a smile on my face, and I couldn’t wipe it away. There actually aren’t phrases to explain how lovely Epcot appears at the hours of darkness. Right here I used to be, my Dopey Problem was formally half over. However let me inform you, the enjoyable hadn’t even begun but.
End Time: 52:55
Donald & Daisy Duck Half Marathon
Waking up on the threerd day for the half marathon was after I actually began to note the fatigue settling in. In any case, I used to be in Disney World and I didn’t simply “hand around in my room” in the course of the day. I visited all of the parks, ate and drank all of the issues, and walked extra miles than I ran. The Half Marathon is my favourite distance, so I wished to make it further particular. So, after I arrived in my corral, I snuck my means all the way in which to the entrance so I used to be in a position to toe the hyperlink of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. The gun went off and we made our method to the Magic Kingdom! Coming into the park and working down Important Road with essentially the most good view of the fort is a vivid reminiscence I promise that I’ll always remember. Characters popped up the whole 13.1 miles, park staff greeted us with their greatest smiles, and shortly we entered Epcot for the ultimate mile. I had checked off 3 of the 4 days, however the greatest hurdle was nonetheless on faucet. The marathon.
End Time: 1:52:54
Mickey & Minnie Mouse Marathon
I received’t deceive you, I awoke on Marathon morning and my legs have been removed from recent. They have been truly sore, too. I took a number of working steps in direction of the bus at 3am and it didn’t really feel nice in any respect. It was then that I used to be involved that this marathon wasn’t going to be fairly. I discovered the beginning line and step one proved to me that I used to be going to have to really focus if I wished to get by way of today as rapidly as potential. I made a number of pals, loved the websites of character photograph alternatives, and shortly the enjoyable actually began. We entered the Magic Kingdom, and the adrenaline was flowing. Ultimately the solar got here up and we entered the Animal Kingdom and I felt like Simba whereas I ran by way of the park. Curious and stumbling over my ft! The race completed up working by way of Hollywood Studios and Epcot. My smile was as giant as may very well be as a made my ultimate flip to the end and I discovered my assist crew. I had achieved it, 48.6 miles over 4 days. Not precisely one thing to shake a stick at. Earlier than the race began, I used to be satisfied I’d be strolling half the marathon, however that was removed from what occurred. The ambiance and power carried me to this point, even after I crossed the end line. I snapped a number of photos, modified my garments, and promptly entered Epcot as a park visitor and located my spot in Germany, full with a pretzel and a beer whereas I cheered on the remainder of the marathoners.
End Time: 4:08:01
I can’t say sufficient about this occasion. Disney lover or not, this venue may be top-of-the-line to host a marathon. Even whilst you ran on the freeway, there was some type of leisure. Typically it was music. Different instances it was a film taking part in you could see and listen to from 1 / 4 mile away. Having the ability to see the backlots of all of the parks was one other factor I beloved. Certain, they’re boring and that’s the place the workers can prep for his or her day, however it’s so enjoyable to see behind the scenes of the magic. And I received’t lie, I discovered each single end line within the time I’d hoped for. Though, my legs are nonetheless barking at me for even beginning that marathon. Till subsequent time, Disney.